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Top Fiction of 1981

The highest-rated fiction of 1981, ranked by community votes on Peakd.

Showing live rankings. Historical snapshots will appear once daily snapshots begin.

1
A
Altered Carbon

Altered Carbon is a 2002 British cyberpunk novel by the English writer Richard K

8.8
2
J
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Readings (UK)

The short introductions here to each of the seven Harry Potter stories will give you a flavour of the adventures ahead of you

3
W
Wuthering Heights

Official site of the upcoming film "Wuthering Heights" (2026) — from Emerald Fennell, starring Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi

4
T
The Caves of Steel

Science fiction murder mystery novel introducing detective Elijah Baley and robot partner R. Daneel Olivaw

6
D
Dyson Sphere

File 770 is a long-running science-fiction fanzine, newszine, and blog site published and administered by Mike Glyer. It has been published every year

7
T
The Jungle Book

Disney's animated adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale

8
G
G I Joe

America's daring adventurers

9
T
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Fantasy novel about faeries and court politics

10
T
The Cherry Orchard

A dying aristocrat's desperate attempt to hold onto her family's estate in Russia

11
D
Death of a Salesman

Broadway production of Arthur Miller's classic play

12
T
The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells

Classic science fiction novel by H.G. Wells

13
2
2001 A Space Odyssey

Classic science fiction film released in 1968

14
W
Winters Child

Novel about childbirth in a maternity ward

15
A
ADRIFT

Graphical user interface

16
W
Wild Mood Swings

1996 studio album by the Cure

17
C
Citizen Kane

1941 American drama film directed by Orson Welles

18
A
Apollo 18

2011 found-footage science fiction horror film

19
H
Hachi: A Dog's Tale

2009 film directed by Lasse Hallström

20
A
Aphrodite

album by Wink

Rankings reflect community votes. Daily snapshots preserve historical positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fiction in 1981?

Based on community votes, Altered Carbon is the highest-rated fiction of 1981, ranked #1 by the community.

How are annual rankings calculated?

Peakd annual rankings reflect trust-weighted community votes. Daily snapshots capture rank positions, and the most recent snapshot for the year is displayed. Rankings cannot be manipulated by companies.

What changed from 1980?

Rankings shift as the community votes. New entrants may appear while others drop. Compare with the 1980 rankings to see movement.

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